The gut microbiota has implications in numerous disorders of the Central Nervous System. Several studies have investigated the possible contribution of the gut microbiota in neuropathies and neuropathic pain.

All conclude that significant changes occur in the gut microbiota environment when neuropathic pathologies are present.

 

What is neuropathic pain?

Neuropathic pain is the result of dysfunction or damage to the nervous system (peripheral or central) in the stimulation of pain receptors.

In this pathological state our body interprets normal stimuli as harmful and painful.

 

The gut-brain axis is bidirectional so that neuropathic and cerebrovascular damage and accidents produce an alteration of the microbiota, just as an alteration of the microbiota can trigger neuropathic pain.

Persistent pain is also a consequence of spinal cord and brain injury and is often associated with depression and cognitive deficits.

Fecal microbiota transplantation or dietary supplementation can correct microbiota abnormalities.

Fecal microbiota transplantation significantly improves pain and depression and induces neuroprotective effects through the anti-inflammatory effects of short-chain fatty acids.

It also normalizes brain injury-induced dysbiosis improving outcomes of cardiovascular accident and rescuing severe neurological deficits. If a young fecal transplant is performed it means less behavioral impairment, as well as reduced intestinal and brain inflammation.

Many diabetic patients suffer neuropathic pain as a consequence of diabetes. Diet may exert neuroprotective effects by regulating the composition of the microbiota and its metabolites.

Likewise, the consumption of probiotics improves inflammatory immune responses.

In conclusion, targeting the microbiota may represent a strategy to control neuropathic states or other CNS disorders that share neurobiological substrates and neuroinflammatory pathways.